A Gold Coast lifeguard could face charges after a couple were run over on Surfers Paradise beach

A YOUNG lifeguard who ran over two beachgoers while on duty faces a nervous New Year's period as he waits for police to decide if they will press criminal charges.

Police confirmed they will formally interview the man, 24, next week, once they have ­spoken to witnesses and reviewed any CCTV footage of the incident.

The pair of overseas tourists hit by a Gold Coast City Council lifeguard four-wheel drive are a Canadian woman, 28, from Port Moody near Vancouver, and a man, 26, both of whom are in Australia on working visas.

They live together in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.

Yesterday they were still ­recovering in Gold Coast ­University Hospital from chest and leg injuries, but they were stable and had been speaking to police.

The lifeguard could be charged over the incident, which happened while he was on patrol at Surfers Paradise beach near Hanlon St about 5.20pm on Monday,.

Police gave him a breath test at the scene but he returned a negative result.

Council lifeguard superintendent Chris Maynard said the lifeguard was "doing OK" but would not say if he had returned to work, and declined to comment further.

The scene on the incident on Monday. Picture: Channel 10Source:Supplied

Broadbeach officer-in-charge, Senior Sergeant Paul Hunter, said depending on the outcome on an investigation by the Forensic Crash Unit at Coomera, the driver could be charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle or driving without due care.

He said that the road rules still applied to vehicles driven on a beach.

"The driver of the vehicle feels terrible about the accident," he said.

"It's still subject to a criminal investigation so there's a possibility of charges."

Snr Sgt Hunter said the specific circumstances of the crash were still under investigation.

"This is the first accident I can think of between council lifeguards and persons using the beach. We're concerned about any vehicle on the beach but Gold Coast lifeguards are well trained.

"That will be part of the ­investigation."

Gold Coast acting mayor Donna Gates said she could not comment because it had become a police investigation.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the event, particularly those who may have photographs, to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

The scene of the incident on Monday. Picture: Channel 10Source:Supplied